EXISTENCE OF SEXISM, TRANSFORMATION AND RESISTANCE THROUGH SISTERHOOD: A FEMINISTS READING OF THE COLOR PURPLE

N. Geethanjali; G. Rajalakshmi; P. Nainar Sumathi; M. Nathiya

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i5s.2026.7785

Authors

N. Geethanjali Associate Professor, Research Advisor, Department of English, Thanthai Periyar Government Arts and Science College (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli), Trichy-23, Tamil Nadu, India
G. Rajalakshmi Research scholar, Department of English, Thanthai Periyar Government Arts and Science College (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli), Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
Dr. P. Nainar Sumathi Assistant Professor, Department of English, National College, (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli), (A)Trichy Tamil Nadu, India
Dr. M. Nathiya Assistant Professor of English, Department of English and Foreign Languages, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Deemed to be University, Tiruchirappalli-01, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i5s.2026.7785

Keywords:

Women’s Rights, Sexism, Patriarchy, and Friendship are all Words That Describe Feminism

Abstract [English]

Alice Walker’s The Color Purple explores the oppression experienced by Black women within a patriarchal society. This paper examines the ways in which sexism, violence, and social inequality shape the lives of female characters in the novel, particularly Celie. The study is guided by two questions: how sexism affects Black women and how Celie transforms herself in response to oppression. At the beginning of the novel, Celie is portrayed as silent, dependent, and powerless because of the abuse inflicted by the men in her life. However, through her relationships with Shug Avery, Nettie, and Sofia, she gradually develops confidence and independence. These women represent different forms of support, including emotional care, education, courage, and resistance. Their influence enables Celie to challenge patriarchal authority and create a new identity for herself. The paper argues that sisterhood functions as a powerful means of resistance and that female solidarity is central to Celie’s liberation. Ultimately, the novel presents the idea that women can overcome oppression when they support one another.

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